Some post-surgery things
It's been two weeks since surgery, and recovery is coming along nicely. Sensation is starting to come back in my chest but it's still a little numb. I can also feel my muscles more, which is painful at times (especially if I move the wrong way). Overall though it still feels almost like this soft, squishy breastplate, kinda detached but still very clearly part of me (because ow). The area around my nipples, though, definitely has fuller sensation at times and it's like I can feel the skin knitting itself back together, which I probably can. There's also occasional twinges in my general chest area which range from mildly annoying to yowch! The swelling, bruising, and I imagine the twinges should subside in 4-6 weeks from surgery according to my paperwork, so hopefully only 2-4 more weeks at this point.
In terms of restrictions I can't lift anything over 10 pounds or do any heavy physical activity until the end of the month. That means I can't ride my bike. And honestly, with how my bike is set up I wouldn't want to ride anytime soon, because ow. Thankfully my wonderful mother bought me a Trimet pass so I can still get around, it just takes more time and planning. Minor complaints though, especially now that I live closer to the center of town. I'm going back to work in a few days and I should be ready for that. My job doesn't typically involve any heavy lifting or strenuous movement, and if I need help I can always ask one of my coworkers. I also can't lift my arms above my shoulders though so unless I wanna use a step stool for everything I'm gonna need some help. I don't mind asking, and my coworkers know I had surgery because I had to get my shifts covered.
One thing though, I'm pretty sure most of them know I'm trans (and therefore what kind of surgery I most likely had) because one of them who I came out to earlier blabbed to nearly everyone else about it. Whatever, I live pretty openly, but I'm also more stealth lately than I have been in the past due to the current political (and general) climate. There's a safety issue, and even though I try not to worry I still do. It's also never okay to disclose someone else's gender identity without their consent, and I didn't give it. If something bad happens I know I have a lot of people who will avenge me, but that won't help me much if I'm dead. I try not to worry about that too much though. I can't live in fear.
On a more positive note, I might be starting to grow a semi decent mustache (i.e., not just fuzz)! Since having surgery I haven't shaved that part of my face. It mostly looks like I haven't shaved in a few days, cause there's not really that much there (yet). I'm hopeful though! Plus my scruff took a while to fully grow in (and still is in places). I don't know if I want a mustache, or how it would look? But I want to see if I can grow one yet.
Awkward selfie time!
The one thing I'm looking forward to most at this point about healing from surgery is that I'll be able to stretch properly again. In the morning when I'm waking up and then throughout the day I like to lean back, put my arms up/behind my head, and stretch myself out nicely. It helps wake me up and then gives me a little jolt of energy/refresher boost later when I need it. I haven't been able to do that, at least not fully/properly, since having surgery! Sometimes the stupid little inconveniences are the most annoying ones. It's worth it though.
In terms of restrictions I can't lift anything over 10 pounds or do any heavy physical activity until the end of the month. That means I can't ride my bike. And honestly, with how my bike is set up I wouldn't want to ride anytime soon, because ow. Thankfully my wonderful mother bought me a Trimet pass so I can still get around, it just takes more time and planning. Minor complaints though, especially now that I live closer to the center of town. I'm going back to work in a few days and I should be ready for that. My job doesn't typically involve any heavy lifting or strenuous movement, and if I need help I can always ask one of my coworkers. I also can't lift my arms above my shoulders though so unless I wanna use a step stool for everything I'm gonna need some help. I don't mind asking, and my coworkers know I had surgery because I had to get my shifts covered.
One thing though, I'm pretty sure most of them know I'm trans (and therefore what kind of surgery I most likely had) because one of them who I came out to earlier blabbed to nearly everyone else about it. Whatever, I live pretty openly, but I'm also more stealth lately than I have been in the past due to the current political (and general) climate. There's a safety issue, and even though I try not to worry I still do. It's also never okay to disclose someone else's gender identity without their consent, and I didn't give it. If something bad happens I know I have a lot of people who will avenge me, but that won't help me much if I'm dead. I try not to worry about that too much though. I can't live in fear.
On a more positive note, I might be starting to grow a semi decent mustache (i.e., not just fuzz)! Since having surgery I haven't shaved that part of my face. It mostly looks like I haven't shaved in a few days, cause there's not really that much there (yet). I'm hopeful though! Plus my scruff took a while to fully grow in (and still is in places). I don't know if I want a mustache, or how it would look? But I want to see if I can grow one yet.
Awkward selfie time!
The one thing I'm looking forward to most at this point about healing from surgery is that I'll be able to stretch properly again. In the morning when I'm waking up and then throughout the day I like to lean back, put my arms up/behind my head, and stretch myself out nicely. It helps wake me up and then gives me a little jolt of energy/refresher boost later when I need it. I haven't been able to do that, at least not fully/properly, since having surgery! Sometimes the stupid little inconveniences are the most annoying ones. It's worth it though.